At a glance

Superb scenery and rich heritage: Africa's most fascinating and varied country

Mysterious, deeply traditional and breathtakingly beautiful, Ethiopia is unlike any other country on the African continent. Its location at the confluence of civilisations and important trade routes means that it developed a rich history, culture and heritage which is still strongly felt today. This unique culture is framed within the rugged beauty of some of the finest mountain scenery in Africa.
Ethiopia’s Timkat Festival is one of the greatest celebrations on Earth and a great time to visit the country. We also have special departures during the Meskal Festival and Ethiopian Christmas, as well as one which takes in more of the Tigrai region.

Itinerary

Show detailed itinerary

1Day 1Start Addis Ababa; city tour.

After a leisurely morning to relax we will spend the afternoon on a site-seeing tour of Addis Ababa. We will visit the National Museum which houses some of the country's historic treasures. The collection of fossils and bones of early hominids discovered in Ethiopia include the 3.5 million year old remains of "Lucy", the oldest hominid every found. We will also visit the Holy Trinity Church, Ethiopia's main cathedral and home to the remains of the last emperor, Haile Selassie. Finally we will visit Menelik"s Mausoleum.See more images and videos

2Day 2Fly to Bahar Dar; optional Lake Tana trip.

Today we will take a spectacular flight to Bahar Dar. From the air we can gaze across the extraordinary nature of the Ethiopian Plateau, repeatedly cut by immensely deep gorges. Bahar Dar is a small but fast growing town on the southern shore of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. It has long attracted religious men and the area contains numerous churches and monasteries, many of them on the thirty or so islands of Lake Tana.
The afternoon is free, perhaps to enjoy the remarkable birdlife in the area, but most people will probably want to take the excursion by boat on the lake to visit some of the monasteries. The nearest one, the 15th century Kebrane Gabriel, is forbidden to women, but Ura-Kidanemereth, on a peninsula jutting out into the lake, is open to all. Under the thatched roof are some distinctive colourful paintings of religious scenes, and an impressive display of illuminated bibles written in Ge'ez, the religious language from which Amharic is derived.See more images and videos

3Day 3Visit Blue Nile Falls; afternoon tour of Bahar Dar.

Early in the morning we travel to the Tississat, or Blue Nile, Falls, located about thirty kilometres from Lake Tana. Due to a nearby hydro electrical power scheme, the waterfalls can no longer be guaranteed to be in full force. It is still amazing to see the Blue Nile pouring over the fern-fringed lip to be channelled into the incredibly narrow gorges on its journey to Khartoum in Sudan. We take a gentle walk to the falls (approx two hours round trip) before stopping to admire them. From here we head back to the river for a short boat ride to meet the vehicle. (N.B. A shorter visit to the falls can be arranged for those who don't want such a long walk). We then return to Bahar Dar for lunch and explore the town. We may choose to visit the local market or watch the activity in and around the lake where the main means of transport is the traditional boats made of bundled papyrus known as Tankwa-a

This morning we drive north to Gondar, the former capital of Ethiopia. Arriving in Gondar we will stop by the Kindu Trust, a local organisation which works with disadvantaged children, their families and communities.
After lunch we will explore Gondar and visit the castles, which were built in the 17th and 18th century by several generations of Ethiopian kings. Nearby is Debre Birhan Selassie church with its sensational angelic ceiling, and the bathhouse of Fasilides where thousands of Ethiopians celebrate Timkat festival every January. Our hotel is up on a cliff top with wonderful views looking over the town.See more images and videos

5Day 5Drive to Simien Mountains; afternoon hike.

After breakfast we drive to Debark on the edge of the Simien Mountains. The road has considerably improved and the drive should take about 2hrs. In the late morning we drive up into the mountains for some spectacular views of this unique ecosystem. The highland plateau is capped by a dramatic skyline of jagged volcanic plugs and split by deep gorges and gullies. On a good day, the views are sensational and the striking towers and formations have been described as the 'chess pieces of the Gods'. We take an optional 1.5hr walk, mostly flat or downhill, and hope to see the endemic Gelada baboons and Klipspringers before returning to Debark. The maximum altitude we reach is 3250m.See more images and videos

6Day 6Continue to Axum.

Continue on the rugged road for a full day's drive to the fabled city of Axum via the lowlands of the Simien Mountains and Tekeze River gorge. Though this is a long journey, the spectacular views make time slide away. Arrive in the late afternoon with time to enjoy the beautiful sunset (weather permitting) from the hotel terrace.See more images and videos

7Day 7Full day city tour.

Axum is the seat of the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Axum, which was once one of the most powerful in the ancient world. Located at the centre of the trading routes between the Mediterranean and India, and the great port of Adulis on the Red Sea, it was economically, politically and technically advanced and at times had control over both sides of the Red Sea.
Axum is also the origin of Christianity in Ethiopia and believed to be the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. The old church of St Mary of Zion was the first church to be built in Sub-Saharan Africa around 330AD. Its ruins can be seen in the precinct of the church compound.
We visit the famous monolithic stelae of Axum, the tallest one still standing reaches over 21 metres and the greatest one of them all, once 34 metres high now lies toppled on the ground. It is still, however, the largest monolith ever erected by man. The subterranean tombs, stone inscriptions of ancient Axumite kings and the small archaeological museum are also living witness of the ancient Axumite history. We will also visit the ruined palace of the Queen of Sheba who is said to have given birth to Menelik the First, fathered by King Solomon, the founder of Ethiopia's ruling family until the late Emperor Haile Selassie.See more images and videos

8Day 8Fly to Lalibela; explore churches.

We take a short flight to Lalibela and visit the first cluster of rock-hewn churches in the afternoon. These churches are Ethiopia's top attraction. The churches are mostly cut from solid rock, and therefore have the appearance of being underground. The most famous church is Bete Giorgis (St George, patron saint of Ethiopia), carved in the form of a Greek cross. It is exceptionally well preserved and visually almost flawless.
The churches are quite dark inside, with little artificial light, and in some cases limited natural light. In each one there is a resident priest, who is usually happy to put on richly embroidered vestments and pose for a photo with his crosses, ancient bibles and sunglasses (due to constant camera flashes!). Although the churches are remote, they are not short of worshippers: most Ethiopians, certainly of the older generation, are devout Orthodox Christians, and the services in the churches on religious festivals are of marathon length: sixteen hours is not unusual!

In the morning we enjoy an optional adventurous mule journey to visit Ashetan Maryam (St Mary), built on a ridge with excellent views over the surrounding countryside. The trip takes approximately 5 hours (round trip) and will start early to avoid the heat. We will ride the mules up the mountain for approximately an hour, before hiking the rest of the way up the mountain to the church. After visiting the church we will walk back down to the village on slippery mountain paths. This is a tough walk and is optional. If you choose not to do the walk there is plenty to do in Lalibela: There is the opportunity to walk into the town and visit some of the many shops or relax in a Tej cafï¿½ and sample the local fermented honey drink.
In the afternoon we visit another cluster of churches that include the churches of Bete Gabriel and Rafael, Merkorous, Emanuel and Abba Libanos. Bete Emanuel is the best in this group and exceptionally carved with unique Axumite building features, such as the indentations on the walls, symbols of the multi-storey building taken from the stelae of Axum, monkey heads and false windows.
The rest of the day is spent absorbing the atmosphere of this extraordinary town with its Tukul or round houses. Made as two-storey buildings, they are unusual in Africa.See more images and videos

10Day 10Fly to Addis Ababa.

This morning we fly back to Addis. The afternoon is free for personal exploring of the city or relaxing at the hotelSee more images and videos

11Day 11Drive to Awassa; visit Lake Abiata-Shala N.P.

We travel south to Lake Abiata-Shala National Park. This region is home to the Oromo people, farmers and cattle herders, and we shall probably see them grazing their stock on the lush lakeshore pastures. We should see Grants gazelle, greater and lesser flamingo, as well as a variety of water birds, including the Sacred Ibis, which loves to perch in fig or acacia trees. Our final destination is Awassa.See more images and videos

12Day 12Walking excursion through forest and villages.

Wendogenet is a hot springs resort with the remains of the original Ethiopian forest. Papaya, mango, bananas, false banana (enset) and coffee all grow here and Colobus monkeys, parrots and baboons play in the trees beside the hotel. We can take a walk in the morning or just relax in the hot spring pool in the afternoon.See more images and videos

Before returning to Addis we explore further the freshwater Lake Awassa. A rich variety of plankton and fish inhabit the lake and support an interesting lakeside market where the Marabou storks will undoubtedly perform impressive dives to capture fish. Many species of bird are found here and hippos are sometimes sighted in the lake. On our return to Addis day rooms will be provided for clients on the late evening flight. The trip ends in the evening of this day.See more images and videos

Your images

Adult Group

This is a small group adult holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 18 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are reasonably fit, enjoy the outdoors and are looking for some exercise. Some previous experience is preferable for activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

What's not included

Travel insurance

Single accommodation (available on request)

Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation details

Hotels

You will spend 9 nights in comfortable hotels, 2 nights in standard hotels and 1 night in a more basic hotel, all with en-suite facilities. Accommodation is basic in comparison to European standards. Ethiopia is a developing country and there may occasionally be no hot water, or indeed, no water at all! Most rooms are furnished simply.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
All nationalities require a visa for Ethiopia which can be obtained before departure (at a cost of GBP26) or on arrival (at a cost of USD50 - be prepared to queue for a while). Please note that the Ethiopian government may change their visa on arrival policy at very short notice so make sure to check the latest advice. A certificate of Yellow Fever vaccination maybe required in order to obtain your visa, for instance if you're travelling from a country at risk of Yellow Fever transmission - please check with the embassy for the latest advice.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Yellow Fever. Malaria prophylaxis is essential and we suggest that you seek advice from your GP or travel health clinic about which malaria tablets to take. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Holiday style

This is a busy trip and requires a certain level of fitness and agility, especially due to the heat and altitude. There are several walks that are not difficult - Tississat Falls and in the Simien Mountains. The harder walk and mule ride in Lalibela is optional. When visiting the rock hewn churches in Lalibela clients have to walk on uneven ground and climb steps that can be slippery.
Clients who suffer from vertigo should be aware that the Simien Mountains is famous for its dramatic sheer cliffs, however you do not have to walk close to the edge.
What tourism exists is quite well organised and in places you may be surprised at the standard of services and personnel. However, you should never forget that you are travelling in one of the world's poorest countries. Water and electricity can be erratic and hotels usually have set times when hot water is available.
The maximum altitude reached on this trip is 3250m. Clients with heart or respiratory problems should consult their doctor. Please leave behind your western comforts and bring with you a sense of adventure, humour and flexibility for the experience of a lifetime!

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts
Hotel meals are generally good although they can lack variety. Local dishes tend to be very good if you like hot, spicy food although milder versions can be requested. Local food is traditionally eaten with the hands. The sour bread known as injera is used as a scoop from the casserole dishes known as wat.
Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. It is normally drunk black with sugar. The coffee ritual is something to be experienced at least once on your trip. It is possible to get coffee with milk which the Ethiopians call Machiato.
Please note that you should not drink the tap water in Ethiopia. We also suggest that clients bring snack food as this can be difficult to obtain outside of Addis Ababa.
Vegetarians can be catered for but they will have a limited choice. The Ethiopian diet is meat based except for fasting days. Fasting food is completely vegan as fasters should not consume any animal by-product.
Clients who have specialist dietary requirements must contact us to discuss if they can be accommodated. Ethiopia is a poor country and they are not familiar with gluten or lactose free diets.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including
detailed itinerary and full kit list

Weather & seasonality

It is likely to be sunny most of the time on all departures. Most of Ethiopia is at a high altitude, so although the sun is powerful, the temperature is usually very pleasant. There is, however, the risk of sunburn at high altitude, so it is essential that you ensure you are adequately protected. Nights are generally cool to cold, depending on the altitude. Daytime temperatures seldom rise above 25degC except at lower altitudes such as the Rift Valley and Tekezze River gorge. The main rains come between June and late September, and while November is one of the coolest months of the year it is also generally one of the clearest. January and February will be hotter and much drier and the landscape is likely to be more arid and dusty than in October and November, which can still be quite lush and colourful after the rains.

Gallery

Reviews & community

Great introduction of Ethiopia. Nice mixture of cultural and natural attractions and varied transports are in one package.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

When I saw St. George Church and when I was among Gelada baboons.

What did you think of your group leader?

Cheerful, well fit, knowledgeable and he knew what he was doing well. Well handled grumpy old people.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Should be able to take it easy, accept slow services and enjoy your African holiday.
Bring bedbug repellent (insect repellent did not work), if you can get it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

There was one hotel which cut water between 22:30 and 6:00 and during day time, probably 12:00 and 18:00 (?)
I did hope to have at least water during the daytime so that I could wash my hands...
But we should have been noticed about NO WATER hours.

Ethiopia well exceeded our already high expectations, and we had a really wonderful trip. This was helped by having a superb tour manager/guide in Gebre who really was the best guide we have ever had, in any of our travels to countries across the world. He was most professional and competent, remaining calm and dealing skilfully with whatever situation presented, ensuring that our comparatively large and diverse group all had a safe and enjoyable journey.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Our experience of Ethiopia in its entirety was an inspiration. The people, the way they live, their culture, customs, religion, history. Their accepting and friendly attitude towards ourselves . A unique country and a unique experience. We feel that the Exodus itinerary and activities were exactly right.

What did you think of your group leader?

Gebre was absolutely excellent as stated above. We feel that having an Ethiopian as our tour manager/guide really added invaluably to our experience and insight to his country, and thank you Exodus for arranging that for us. Gebre exceeded in respect of his knowledge across the history, culture/customs, politics, religion, geography/geology, and wildlife, of his country. He possesses excellent organisational and communication skills, and dealt calmly, competently and diplomatically with any situations that presented.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Travel with an open heart and mind and you will fall in love with Ethiopia. Go with low expectations in regard to hotel standards and you will often be pleasantly surprised, but be patient with plumbing/water supplies.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Go to Ethiopia with Exodus and ask for a tour with Gebre as the guide.

We came prepared for a few hiccups and certainly the interminable immigration formalities at Addis and the snails pace drive to the hotel reflected these concerns but as soon we were entrusted to the excellent care of your guide Kibrom the hiccups subsided. The first afternoon in Addis was not all that inspiring - particularly the rather sad museum, but once we got to Bahatr Dar things got moving. Gonder and the the long drive to Debark and on to Axum was not something we would have wished to miss. Magnificent walk in mountains with which we could cope. What views of green and intensive cultivation. . Axum will be more presentable when the roads are finished but what stellae when you compare with celtic Brittany, although they are not the Queen of Sheba's vintage. Then to Lalibella which lived up to expectations. Other reviewers have been a bit dismissive of the final days in the south but we felt they complimented the north - we enjoyed the birds hippos and views of their agriculture particularly the amazing polythene greenhouses which have taken much of the flower trade from these islands.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The third day negotiating the Portuguese bridge with a flood of people coming in the opposite direction walking miles to market and then seeing the Blue Nile Falls in full flow -yes they are not the Victoria Falls but they are still most impressive.

What did you think of your group leader?

First class - it is a sad reflection in some ways that in many third world countries all the best people become tour guides

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

We were lucky all our fellow guests like us were seasoned travellers and did not complain- do realise that this is not Europe - hot water and electricity are unpredictable and food is not exciting (although it is good value) The roads are mixed . You should be able to cope with the walking although we declined the mule ride. Ethiopia is something quite different from the rest of Africa - the people are welcoming and it is all very relaxed

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A grumble - Ethiopian Airlines - At every airport the ground handling was diabolical. I have nothing but admiration for the pilots on the Q400 fleet who gently put down their temperamental fully laden aircraft in difficult conditions of high altitude and heat, but I was particularly irritated on the return flight to London with departure at 0200 arrival at LHR 7 hours later. After we were airborne It was announced that snacks and drinks would be served shortly with a continental breakfast before landing at LHR . This was an acknowledgement that we hardly needed dinner at that time of the morning. What happened ? After an hour an a quarter a full meal was served beans olives etc for starters. chicken and lots of rice for mains and a fruit jelly with roll and butter and cheese and biscuits . What of the continental breakfast ? Woken up 90 minutes before landing with fruit juices - no tea or coffee and just a standard Ethiopian Airlines sponge cake. On all flights they were always going on about being part of Star Alliance whatever that is - they seem to have taken over the new Terminal 2 at Heathrow. I do not know which airlines belong to this happy club but speaking personally based on this experience I will only patronise a Star Alliance Airline in the future if there is no possible alternative

Tom’s first foray outside of Europe was to Tanzania when he was 16 years old. Little did he know at the time that this would lead him on a path that would take him around the world. He lived and travelled extensively on four continents and lead tours from Mexico to Patagonia and from Nairobi to Cape Town. He has a particular passion for wildlife and is at his happiest when spotting animals in the wild.

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

Is it easy to get around Ethiopia?

You should be aware that, especially in the more remote areas and outside any cities, that the roads can be pretty rough and ready at times. Some drives can be long and dusty and you should be prepared for this. Saying that, there is always something to watch from the van, so you'll never bored!

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

What is the weather like in Ethiopia?

You can usually get an accurate 3 day forecast here, which is worth checking just before departure.

What vaccinations do I need?

Unfortunately we are not qualified to answer all your questions in regards to travel health, so we strongly recommend you contact your GP or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. There will be limited information in the trip notes but you should always seek further qualified medical advice.

Nomad Travel Clinics are experts in preparing people for travel, providing advice on vaccinations, anti-malarial and staying healthy whilst overseas. We have arranged a special 10% discount for Exodus passengers on any vaccinations that you may require! Take along your Nomad discount card, sent with your confirmation pack, or call Exodus for your special discount code.Visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/exodus for further information.

How should I take my money to Ethiopia?

The local currency is the birr, which is closed currency meaning you cannot get it outside of the country. ATMs are limited and can be very unreliable when it comes to UK or foreign bank cards. In this case, you should take your money in cash, and change when you arrive. Sterling can be changed at the airport, but dollars would be best outside the capital, so maybe a mix of both.

Aurelija Selvestraviciute - Customer Operations

Exodus staff - expertise on hand to help

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!

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